FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Prednisone should start to help within a day or two. If it doesn't help, you are either not on a high enough dose or you are not going to respond to it at all (which I've never heard of happening before). Prednisone is a very addictive drug (your body will not produce it's own natural corticosteriods if you are on it for long periods). I would be very careful going on this medication if I were you. It a blessing and a curse. Research it before you increase.

When I start with pred I start the run with 5mg 4 perday, I take them all at once first thing in the morning. IF and only IF its going to work the pain usually subsides by the time I go to bed, the swelling may go down over night but will return after I start to tapper back by on pill. But everyone is different, when I was first diagnosed, pred wouldn't even touch the pain, now it will take it away so I don't hurt constantly, just when I have pressure on the joint, like my feet when I'm walking. I never take pred for more than a 12 day run though,so weather it would help beyond that I don't know. My rheumy always says to call if I don't feel better by the next business day. If its not working I'd call your doc. I hope this was somehelp. I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you. That was helpful. I just started a tapering dose today. 4-5mg tablets for 4 days, then taper down by 1tab a day for 3 days until done. I have had a horrible flare and I'm waiting for insurance approval for Xeljantz. I'm going on vacation Friday and I want to feel good then. It's the only time I ask for steroids. I just don't want the side effects of long term use. Been there. Not for me. Good luck everyone!
READ MORE

Are you kidding me??!! My rheumy started me on 12.5 mg or cc or whatever injections and ONE 5 mg prednisone a day. I got 2 injections and they bumped me up to 15. But why so little prednisone, is this really even enough to help??

You should knowAnswers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition. Content posted by community members does not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media, which also reserves the right to remove material deemed inappropriate.